The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Making Ayscoughfee Hall a ‘cultural centre’ as part of government grant of nearly £2 million, will secure the building’s future, a councillor has said.
The South and East Lincolnshire Councils Partnership, of which South Holland District Council is one third, has been awarded National Portfolio Organisation status by Arts Council England.
As a result £1,955,799 will be shared between the three councils “to help support arts and cultural organisations”.
But £50,000 a year of funding for the South Holland Centre has been lost.
The money was part of a bid, also to the Arts Council, led by South Kesteven under the Lincolnshire One Venues scheme. Centres in Stamford, Grantham and Louth will also be affected by the cut.
But the extra money for Ayscoughfee has eased some of the pain.
A spokesman for the partnerships said: “It will also support the creation of cultural centres at The Guildhall in Boston, Ayscoughfee Hall in South Holland and the Colonnade in Sutton on Sea.”
The grant will also fund a programme of art and culture across the Partnership centred on the heritage of each district.
Coun Gary Taylor, SHDC’s portfolio holder for communities said: “It will help put Ayscoughfee on the map and secure the future of it.
“We’re planning to enhance what it already has and put events on that will highlight the history and the future of the building.”
Council leader Gary Porter said: “Being part of the National Portfolio investment programme and the funding awarded will create new opportunities for residents, community groups and organisations.
“The heritage of South Holland is what shapes the district and we should all celebrate the stories which have built our communities.
“Going to any event, whether it be a drama group, show or festival, can really help improve health and wellbeing. I am pleased this funding will help our residents access even more things to do on their doorstep.”
